Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect November 2025
Starting November 1, 2025, international travelers face significant new travel restrictions and entry requirements across the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The most impactful change requires all U.S. immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their country of nationality or residence, ending the practice of third-country visa processing.
These updates come as Europe completes its phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at major channel crossings, while the U.S. continues enforcing nationality-based travel bans affecting 19 countries since June 2025. Additionally, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system now covers nearly all visa-exempt visitors.
Key Travel Restriction Changes in November 2025
The following restrictions and requirements became effective or expanded in November 2025:
- U.S. Visa Interview Location Requirement: Effective November 1, immigrant visa applicants must schedule interviews in their country of residence or nationality only
- Europe EES at Channel Ports: Starting November 1, the Entry/Exit System expands to car passengers at Dover and channel crossings (coaches started October 12)
- Switzerland EES Launch: Zurich airport implements biometric entry/exit scanning on November 17, 2025
- U.S. Travel Ban: Full entry suspension continues for 12 countries; partial restrictions remain for 7 additional nations since June 9, 2025
- UK ETA Enforcement: Electronic Travel Authorization required for all non-visa nationals, including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans (since January-April 2025)
- Cuba Travel Restrictions: Expanded U.S. restrictions on Cuban nationals implemented mid-October 2025, causing visa processing delays
Furthermore, the November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows modest movement in family-sponsored categories, with F2A retrogressing by one month and F2B advancing to March 8, 2017. These changes affect thousands of applicants waiting for priority dates to become current.
Who Is Affected by the New Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restriction updates impact specific groups of international travelers differently. Understanding how these changes affect your travel plans is essential for avoiding delays and complications.
For U.S. Visa Applicants
Anyone applying for immigrant visas must now attend interviews exclusively in their country of residence or nationality, eliminating third-country processing options. This applies to family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa categories. Moreover, nonimmigrant visa applicants (tourists, students, workers) have been subject to this requirement since September 2025, increasing travel costs and processing times for many.
For European Travelers
Non-EU nationals traveling to the 30 Schengen countries must now provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) when crossing external borders. If you're driving through Dover or taking a ferry to France, expect EES processing starting November 1, 2025. However, your fingerprints remain valid for three years, so you'll only register once.
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens Visiting the UK
All Americans and Canadians require a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) since January 8, 2025, while European nationals need ETAs since April 2, 2025. The cost is £16 ($20 USD), valid for multiple trips over two years. Consequently, travelers should apply at least three working days before departure to ensure your passport photo meets UK requirements.
For Nationals of Restricted Countries
Citizens from 12 banned countries (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen) cannot enter the U.S. unless they held valid visas before June 9, 2025. Additionally, seven countries face partial bans affecting tourist and student visas (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela).
How to Navigate the New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restriction updates:
- Check Your Nationality Requirements: Visit travel.state.gov or gov.uk to confirm whether you need visas, ETAs, or biometric registration based on your passport
- Apply for Required Authorizations Early: Submit UK ETA applications at least 5-7 days before travel; processing typically takes 3 working days but can extend during peak periods
- Schedule Visa Interviews in Correct Location: If applying for U.S. visas, book appointments only at embassies/consulates in your country of residence or nationality to avoid automatic denials
- Prepare Biometric Data for Europe: When traveling to Schengen countries, allow extra time at borders for fingerprint and facial scanning during your first entry after November 2025
- Verify Passport Photo Specifications: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before applying for visas or travel authorizations, as outdated photos cause application rejections
- Check Entry Requirements 72 Hours Before Departure: Travel restrictions can change rapidly; verify current requirements on official government websites or through VisaPics country-specific guides
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates in your travel calendar to stay compliant with new requirements:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. immigrant visa interview location restriction takes effect; Europe EES expands to Dover car passengers
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins EES biometric processing for all international arrivals
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment completed across all 30 Schengen countries at every border crossing point
- Late 2026: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches, requiring pre-travel authorization similar to U.S. ESTA (with 6-month grace period)
- Ongoing Since June 9, 2025: U.S. nationality-based travel ban remains in effect for 19 countries with potential expansion to 36 additional nations
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Do I Need an ETA to Transit Through the UK?
Yes, if you're passing through UK border control during transit, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization regardless of how long you stay in the airport. The £16 ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, covering multiple transit stops. However, if you remain airside without crossing border control, an ETA is not required.
Can I Apply for a U.S. Visa in a Third Country After November 1?
No, starting November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence or nationality only. Third-country processing is no longer available, ending "visa shopping" practices. This rule has applied to nonimmigrant visas since September 2025. Nevertheless, if you already have a valid visa issued before these dates, it remains valid until expiration.
How Long Does EES Biometric Registration Take at European Borders?
Initial EES registration typically takes 5-10 minutes per person for fingerprint scanning and facial image capture. Once registered, your biometric data is valid for three years, and subsequent border crossings become faster. Travelers should arrive at ports and airports earlier than usual during the November-December 2025 rollout period to account for potential delays.
Are There Exemptions to the U.S. Travel Ban?
Yes, the June 2025 travel ban includes limited exemptions for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, valid visa holders (issued before June 9, 2025), and certain humanitarian cases. National interest waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, individuals physically present in the U.S. on June 9, 2025, are not affected regardless of their nationality.
What You Need to Know Before International Travel
The November 2025 travel restriction updates represent the most significant changes to international travel requirements in years. With the U.S. restricting visa interview locations, Europe implementing comprehensive biometric border controls, and the UK requiring pre-travel authorization, travelers must plan more carefully and allow extra time for compliance.
Before booking international travel, verify your specific requirements based on your nationality and destination. Ensure your passport photo meets current specifications for visa applications and travel authorizations, as non-compliant photos are the leading cause of application rejections. Moreover, check visa processing times in your country of residence, as the new interview location requirement may significantly extend wait times at certain consulates. Visit VisaPics for country-specific photo requirements and visa application guidance to ensure your documents meet all official standards.